Dean, School of Music and Worship Arts
Trevecca Nazarene University
Position Type: 12-month, Full-Time, Tenure-Track
Reports To: Provost and Chief of Staff and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Accreditation
Mission
The Dean of the School of Music and Worship Arts (SOMWA) will provide visionary, strategic, and academic leadership to guide the school in fulfilling its mission to equip students for transformative influence through music and worship leadership. Rooted in the Christ-centered mission of Trevecca Nazarene University, the Dean will foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and service, ensuring academic quality and alignment with the University’s mission and educational goals.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic and Academic Leadership
- Serve as the chief academic and administrative officer for the School of Music and Worship Arts.
- Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategic plans for traditional and non-traditional programs in collaboration with faculty and administrative leadership.
- Champion student success, retention, and career readiness and lead departmental faculty and staff in the development of a challenging and supportive school culture/environment.
- Cultivate and maintain a growth-oriented, high-performing school culture with a focus on student success, faculty development, and program innovation.
- Provide collaborative leadership, accountability, faculty and team development, mentoring, and support for school faculty.
- Lead the planning and implementation of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including online and hybrid delivery models.
Administrative Oversight
- Manage day-to-day operations of the school, including faculty and staff supervision, budget oversight, and curricular management.
- Lead SOMWA’s reaffirmation efforts with NASM and other relevant accrediting bodies.
- Facilitate a culture of data-informed decision-making to enhance student learning, retention, and career readiness.
- Oversee faculty hiring, evaluation, and development processes, promoting excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
· Provide efficient and effective fiscal management over the SOMWA budget, including personnel, programs, equipment, recruitment, and other costs.
- Conduct regular operational meetings with SOMWA faculty and staff.
- Serve as ex-officio member of the Center for Worship, Center for Community Arts Innovation, Center for Commercial Music and Center for African American Worship Studies.
- Collaborate with the Registrar, Academic Services, Institutional Effectiveness, and the Center for Innovative Instruction to ensure effective delivery of traditional and online courses.
Program Development and Evaluation
- Ensure the regular evaluation of current degree offerings and the development of new undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
- Support program development and revisions in line with NASM and SACSCOC accreditation standards.
- Champion a “culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and service” across all academic programs and personnel.
- Balance innovation and market-driven program offerings with the development of students’ core skills, literacy, and musicianship.
External Engagement and Recruitment
- Collaborate with Enrollment and Marketing to promote SOMWA programs and support recruitment strategies.
- Represent the SOMWA and University at local, regional, and national events, including professional conferences and denominational gatherings.
- Build and maintain partnerships with churches, ministries, music industry professionals, and educational organizations to create internships, residencies, and career pathways for students.
- Engage in fundraising efforts in collaboration with Advancement to support scholarships, equipment, and strategic initiatives.
- Build strong and effective relationships with the Nashville music and worship community.
Qualifications
- An earned doctorate in music, worship studies, music education, or a related discipline.
- A demonstrated record of academic leadership in higher education, preferably in music and/or worship arts.
- Strong commitment to the Christian mission and Nazarene-Holiness heritage of Trevecca Nazarene University.
- Demonstrated excellence in musicianship, supported by a portfolio of solo and/or ensemble performances and leadership experience.
- Proven ability to lead in strategic planning, curriculum development, and faculty mentoring.
- Proven ability to integrate professionally with Nashville music and publishing industries.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Experience in online program development and delivery.
- Academically qualified with demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
- Knowledge of NASM accreditation standards and best practices in music and worship arts education.
- A collaborative and innovative mindset with a capacity for visionary leadership.
Reporting and Collaborative Relationships
- Reports directly to the Provost and Chief of Staff and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Accreditation.
- Collaborates regularly with:
o SOMWA Faculty and Staff
o University Enrollment, Marketing, and Advancement Teams
o Other School Deans and Academic Affairs Personnel
Position Outcomes
- Operational excellence across SOMWA departments, programs, and events.
- Successful NASM reaffirmation and compliance with all accrediting and regulatory bodies.
- Sustainable enrollment growth in traditional, online, and graduate programs.
- Enhanced academic, spiritual, and career success for students at all levels.
- Strategic faculty hiring, development, and evaluation.
- Strengthened external partnerships and community engagement.
- Increased visibility and impact of the School of Music and Worship Arts in the academic, music industry and ministry contexts.
Interested candidates who are in agreement with the mission and values of Trevecca Nazarene University should send a completed application, cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of faith, and three letters of recommendation to:
Dr. Tom Middendorf
Provost and Chief of Staff
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37210
Email: TMiddendorf@trevecca.edu
